Jurek Jakowicz

Artist Statement

Jurek Jakowicz was born in Poland and raised in the historic city of Łódź, where he grew up surrounded by a family of artists and musicians. He received his formal art education at the Government College of Art and the University of Łódź, studying traditional European sculpture, drawing, art history, and architectural design. This classical training established the disciplined craftsmanship, technical precision, and deep appreciation for the human form that continue to define his work.
Jurek’s artistic career reflects a unique fusion of European tradition and nearly four decades of life and creative practice in America. His work explores themes of faith, heritage, service, and community, creating sculptures that not only honor their subjects but also invite reflection, connection, and emotional engagement.
In addition to his work as a sculptor, Jurek has established a distinguished career in the medallic arts. He has designed and sculpted bas-relief commemorative medallions for universities, corporations, public figures, and organizations, as well as for U.S. Presidential Inaugurations. His work in medallic art demonstrates the same attention to detail and mastery of form found throughout his larger sculptural works.
Jurek is also frequently commissioned to create portraits and highly personalized memorials for families seeking a lasting tribute to loved ones. His memorial work often combines hand-etched designs in black granite along with sculpted bronze elements, creating deeply personal and enduring works that preserve memories and honor individual lives.
His work has received recognition in both artistic and numismatic publications. Jurek’s bronze sculpture The Guardsman was featured in Artworld Post on May 12, 2025, while his Angel of Peace bronze sculpture was featured by Art-Wire.net on May 28, 2025. His proposed Trump Inaugural Medal was also recognized in 2025 by The E-Sylum, the electronic publication of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.
Jurek immigrated to the United States from Poland in 1985 and made South Dakota his home for nearly four decades, building a distinguished career as an artist and sculptor. In September 2024, he and his wife relocated to Florida, where he currently resides in Ocala and continues to pursue his passion for sculpture, medallic art, portraiture, and memorial design.